Greetings, FIRST^® volunteers!

As 2021 comes to a close, we have a lot to reflect on here at FIRST Headquarters. Much has changed over the past year, but what has remained the same is the dedication, passion, and commitment of FIRST volunteers. You have given your time and energy to reimagine a path forward and bring inspiration and opportunity to students around the globe, despite the challenges and obstacles in your path. We bring you this message of thanks from Chris Rake, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of FIRST:

“On behalf of FIRST staff, I would like to extend our deep appreciation for everything you do as volunteers to support the mission of FIRST. As I reflect upon how our community has worked together to continue to deliver life-changing experiences to our youth throughout the pandemic, I am reminded of how we could not have done this without you. You’ve been with us every step of the way: volunteering at remote events, mentoring teams online, and making countless other adjustments to accommodate pandemic disruptions. Through the passion and support of our community, FIRST is well positioned to continue to deliver our impact through 2022 and beyond.”

Read on for all the updates you need to be ready to move into 2022, full speed ahead. See you soon!

Sincerely,

The FIRST Volunteer Resources Department

The FIRST Mentor Network is an interactive platform allowing teams and interested mentors to easily find each other for virtual or face-to-face mentorship. The community platform provides new and returning teams access to passionate, engaged mentors, while giving mentors the opportunity to use their unique skill sets and have meaningful involvement with one or more teams. Together, teams and mentors can make a positive impact in their community and around the world.  

>>Create your team or mentor profile today!

Although we are all anxious to gather again at a FIRST event, you may be wondering about COVID safety policies that might be required. FIRST is closely monitoring the Omicron variant and its potential impact to the FIRST community. FIRST continues to strongly recommend everyone who is eligible and has access to a vaccine consult with their physician and get fully vaccinated against COVID-19.    

For the latest information about FIRST^® LEGO League and FIRST^® Tech Challenge events in your region, contact your volunteer coordinator, your local FIRST Partner, or check your local FIRST website to see if a COVID policy has been posted for the region. For information on FIRST^® Robotics Competition events, check this link for event information that includes COVID protocols.

When you apply for a volunteer role, you may see two new volunteer opportunities, though these roles vary by event. The Health Check Attendant supports event entrance needs that may be required, such as conducting health checks, reviewing proof of vaccination or negative COVID tests, reminding people to wear their masks, or monitoring an isolation room. The Cleaning Crew position provides cleaning and disinfecting support for high-touch areas, replenishes sanitizing stations, and supports a clean environment for teams and volunteers alike. No matter what role you select, you are an important part of the event. Share any concerns you have with your volunteer coordinator or event planner.

Most importantly, we want you to attend an in-person environment feeling confident about engaging in the experience. We can’t wait to see you!

>> Find contact info for your local event planners here

>>See page 10 of the FIRST Volunteer Registration User Guide to learn how to contact your volunteer coordinator directly through your FIRST Dashboard

Adry is a FIRST alum and volunteer in Mexico who wants other FIRST alum to know the enjoyment and satisfaction of volunteering with FIRST and continuing to be a part of the FIRST community. Adry began volunteering when she was still a high school student and volunteers today as a mentor, judge, translator, event coordinator, and more. Read on to learn more about Adry’s story, how she overcame her childhood belief that engineering isn’t for girls, and how FIRST brought her dreams to life, set her on a path toward engineering, and gave her the skills to succeed.

>>Read Adry's FIRST story here

In this letter to the FIRST community, Dean Kamen remembers his mother Evelyn Kamen, who recently passed away at age 96. Evelyn was a schoolteacher who raised four children and inspired hundreds of thousands more through her classrooms and her contributions to FIRST.

>> Read Dean's letter

Teachers are a vital part of the FIRST community. The FIRST Educators Recognition Program honors our commitment to recognize the outstanding work of educators in the FIRST community and was inspired by the powerful ethos of “Teacher in Space” Christa McAuliffe who famously said, "I touch the future. I teach." Educators who are recognized will have the opportunity to participate in a “Year of Inspiration.” The nomination cycle for the inaugural cohort ends on December 17, 2021.

Be sure to grab a 2021 Christa McAuliffe Silver Dollar for yourself and your favorite educator! Available for purchase until December 29.

>> Nominate an educator for this special opportunity by December 17

The dictionary says philanthropy is “the practice of giving money and time to help make life better for other people.” Whether you give time, money, both, or more, we celebrate you as FIRST philanthropists! Like voting, donating your time and/or money is fundamentally an expression of what you believe in. And while it may seem like a single action or donation doesn’t make an impact by itself, collectively your expressions of philanthropy via FIRST make life better for millions today and in the future.

As is likely obvious from your email inboxes, ‘tis the season for many nonprofits, FIRST included, to ask you to be financial philanthropists (look for that in a different email 😊). Don’t forget, many of you have employers who are willing to match your philanthropy, your donations of time or money, with company funds.

Check this free search tool to see if your employer has a matching program. 

 Thank you for all you give to FIRST!

>>Search for your employer now

Mark Giordono is the Vice President of Development and Alumni Relations at FIRST. Internally, we call his group FIRSTADE because it includes the Alumni, Development, and Events teams. Like the sports drink we may have borrowed a name from, Mark’s team fuels FIRST with resources to perform our best. They provide value to and build community for FIRST. Read on to learn more about Mark!

>>Meet Mark Giordono